Super lightweight, grab and go anywhere quality birding 8x32. :t:
Perhaps there is a tendency among binocular users and reviewers to be really positive about the first new binocular of Spring and I am sure that I am not the only person to have experienced a feeling of Spring euphoria this year when taking an excursion to appraise a new optic.
So here is another 8x32 binocular from Kenko-Tokina, the long established Japanese optical manufacturer and OEM giant operating with a very high degree of corporate integrity and credibility.
The Kenko Ultraview EX OP DH II is available in two specifications : 8x32 and 10x32. Both are open bridge, ultra lightweight, compact birding binoculars, phase and fully multi-coated, waterproof and part of Kenko's astonishingly successful Premium Birding Binoculars range. These are manufactured in the Philippines and each bears a serial number.
Yes the 8x32 is truly a light binocular, at a bare weight of 455g (16.05 ounces) a very light binocular indeed. That is the weight of the binocular only, without the eye-piece and objective lens covers and without the strap. These have to be amongst the lightest binoculars of this class on the market, and they are just as comfortable to carry as they are to hold.
The body is a gram pinching glass fibre reinforced polycarbonate with a hard and slick high impact black rubber exterior. This binocular is very similar to the highly regarded Sightron BS II 8x32, down to the 'full stop' in the focus a short distance after infinity and the same basic case and accessories. But it is lighter. They are both made by the same company in the Philippines.
The other physical specifications of these are readily available online and suffice to say the field of view at 1000m is 131m and that the stated eye relief is 14.8mm.
Internally these are well baffled and very well blackened, the finish is excellent with no post machining scratches, dust or glue to spoil it. Consequentially ghosting, glare and internal reflections are absent from the view.
The focus is smooth, if a little firm for my flash focus preference but then who am I to say what would suit you ? This binocular focuses easily and there is a good depth to the field. Observing Reed buntings squabbling over their patch has been a real treat, at this time of year they don't stay still for long, and this a good binocular for this type of viewing.
The rest of the package it is just first class. Wide sweet spot, non-ED glass yet good, really good CA control, easily equal my reference Zeiss Conquest HD 8x32. Natural colour and a relaxed, natural view.
Great contrast. Good contrast is important to me in viewing birds that are either generally daytime static (some owls) or have a tendency to freeze if they spot you (our native Bittern), especially where their plumage is a seamless camouflage match to their habitat. In this respect the Kenko Ultraview EX OP DH II 8x32 excels, the contrast is excellent.
In the manufacturer's own words the Kenko Ultraview EX OP DH II 8x32 and 10x32 are very good and most popular with our customers. It because **the quality is pretty good** and they are very very light weight and compact in size. We bring this model to the trade shows and bird watching shows and everybody like these models.
This was genuine comment, a tacit admission that they know that this binocular offers very good optics indeed at it's price point. 'A diamond in the rough' placed there for you to find.
As an aside, all I can say to those who would venture a forlorn 'well they would say that wouldn't they', is that with three decades of direct personal experience with Japanese clients, both institutional, corporate, business and private individuals, I can tell the difference, thanks.
The Kenko Ultraview EX OP DH II 8x32 is nice little package of performance, ergonomics and quality control.
Value is what you think it is and I'll leave it to you to have a look and hope that you may enjoy it as much as I have.
My interest just as an independent reviewer and I would like to offer my sincere thanks the directors of Kenko-Tokina for despatching their birding binoculars from East to West for review. Once again a particular thank you to Tom for the friendly correspondence, special consideration and personal attention in arranging and shipping the samples.
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